Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small piece of fresh turmeric, grated (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head of broccoli)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sour cream (use soy or coconut milk for a vegan option)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use vegan cheese for a vegan soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, croutons, chopped chives
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add Carrots and Turmeric: Stir in the diced carrots and grated fresh turmeric. Sauté for a few minutes until the carrots begin to soften.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Sauté for another few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender to puree until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Return the pureed mixture to the pot. Pour in the sour cream and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with optional toppings like extra shredded cheddar, croutons, or chopped chives.
Cooking Convenience: Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Options
Instant Pot:
- Follow steps 1 and 2 using the Instant Pot’s sauté function.
- Add the diced carrots, grated turmeric, broccoli florets, and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Soup” mode, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes under high pressure.
- After releasing the pressure, blend the soup using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese using the “Sauté” function until melted and creamy.
Slow Cooker (Crockpot):
- Follow steps 1 and 2 in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced carrots, grated turmeric, broccoli florets, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low until everything is melted and creamy.